VIDEO: Aylesbury Vale racer Mark Webber a coffin bearer as friends and family pack village church for funeral of IndyCar hero

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Published:15:34Thursday 10 September 2015

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Friends and family of an IndyCar hero who died in a freak racing incident last month gathered for his funeral today with close friend Mark Webber one of the coffin bearers.

Justin Wilson was killed after being struck by debris from a crash on Lap 180 of the 200-lap race at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, on August 26.

Former Formula 1 racer Mark Webber (centre) helps carry Justin Wilson's coffin at St. James the Great Church in Paulerspury

Mr Wilson’s friends, including Aston Clinton’s former Formula 1 racer Webber, and family attended a service at the St James the Great Church in Paulerspury, which is not far from the Silverstone race track.

The coffin was draped in a Union Jack and one mourner held what appeared to be Mr Wilson’s racing helmet.

Fittingly a reception will be held in Hall 5, of The Wing at the Silverstone circuit this afternoon and a memorial service is expected to be held in Indianapolis later in the month for his many US fans to attend.

A fund set up to raise money for Mr Wilson’s two daughters has already prompted a generous response. So far Honda, which supplies engines to many of the IndyCar teams, has given around £34,000 and tyre makers Firestone has donated around £19,000.

Justin Wilson's funeral held today

The Justin Wilson Memorial Auction is set to begin on eBay on September 14 and will see helmets worn by IndyCar drivers in the August 30 race at Sonoma Raceway being auctioned.

Mr Wilson recorded seven career IndyCar victories during his career, the most recent in 2012 at Texas Motor Speedway.

He also competed in Formula One in 2003 with Minardi and Jaguar.

Wilson, a road cycling and mountain biking enthusiast, also was an ambassador for dyslexia, and was known to speak to groups at the racetrack anvisit schools near IndyCar race venues.

A heartrending note from Justin's daughter

The family released the following statement: “Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.